French Cheesemaker Debuts Vegan Camembert

Vegan company Les Petits Veganne recently launched a line of cashew-based vegan cheeses in France. French couple Yannick Fosse and Anne Guth founded the company after Guth—a longtime vegetarian—adopted a vegan lifestyle. “My big favorite was cheese,” Guth told local media outlet Republicain Lorrain, “but when I knew that it caused the death of billions of animals, I stopped dead.” Guth now creates artisanal cheeses (which the company refers to “vegetable specialties” to abide by French food labeling rules) in flavors that are vegan versions of French classics. The Camembert Lorrain features a white floral rind and creamy center, while the The Lorrain Bleu is spiked with penicillin to evoke the pungent flavor of its dairy-based counterpart. Les Petits Veganne also offers a “fresh” (as opposed to aged) variety made in rotating flavors such as garlic, turmeric, and paprika. Next week, vegan cheese shop Blue Heron Creamery will open as the first of its kind in Vancouver, Canada and offer a variety of almond- and coconut-based cheese, including its own version vegan camembert.